The department's spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, confirmed that the two siblings, 14-year-old Mamsi Pamplen and 10-year-old Meikie Mokoena, passed away after consuming brown beans before going to school. 

He says on their arrival at school, both learners complained about abdominal cramps and were taken to the nearest clinic where they were certified dead. 

Meanwhile, Ndaba adds while the other sibling of the deceased, 11-year-old Lerato Mokoena, was admitted at Phekolong Hospital, the department received reports that the father of the two deceased learners had also passed away at his workplace as he allegedly ate the same beans that day.

The mother and aunt of the deceased learners were arrested.

Ndaba says officials visited the family shortly after the incident and also promised to provide counseling for the family, teachers, and fellow learners of the Utopia Farm School. 

He adds that MEC Tate Makgoe sent his condolences to the bereaved family and friends, and further called on various stakeholders such as NGOs and the Dihlabeng Municipality, among others, to lend a helping hand in ensuring that the deceased learners and their father receive a decent funeral.

OFM News